Adrian Frater, News Editor

Lewin

Western Bureau:

Police Commissioner, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, yesterday said Jamaica must develop the political will to battle crime, noting that continued indecisiveness will only prolong the problem.

Addressing day two of the 65th annual conference of the Jamaica Police Federation, Lewin said the problem of crime must be properly understood.

"If we don't, we will find ourselves dealing with the symptoms and not the root cause," Lewin said.

The issue of politics

He said the issue of politics continues to divide communities.

"The solution is not too difficult to remedy but we first have to accept some truths," the commissioner said.

Turning to other issues, Lewin outlined a comprehensive plan to address concerns about police undertaking private jobs when they are off duty; the implementation of a 40-hour workweek and repairing dilapidated police stations.

He also disclosed that $800 million will be spent on acquiring new vehicles for the police.

Regarding the contentious 40-hour workweek for the police, the commissioner said he was committed to seeing it implemented soon.

"The 40-hour workweek has been languishing too long," Lewin said. "I am supportive of it in principle and I believe we have to move it forward and we have to do it quickly."

The commissioner also said a review of the Jamaica Constabulary Force is now under way with a view to making the organisation more efficient and effective.